For more than a century, Maserati has stood at the crossroads of Italian craftsmanship, motorsport heritage, and luxury performance. From its humble beginnings in a Bologna workshop to its presence on racetracks and city streets around the world, the Maserati name has become synonymous with bold engineering and timeless style. In 2025, models like the Grecale, Levante, and Ghibli continue to carry this legacy forward—offering drivers in Winnipeg, Winkler, Steinbach, and Neepawa a direct connection to the brand’s storied past. If you’ve ever wondered how Maserati became an icon, this is your guide to the history of Maserati explained.Visit or contact Maserati of Winnipeg to experience the evolution of performance firsthand.
What Makes Maserati’s History So Unique in the World of Luxury Cars?
Maserati history is unlike any other in the world of high-end cars. It began with racing, not with luxury. And that deep link to speed, risk, and skill still shapes the brand today. Few luxury carmakers can trace their roots to the track the way Maserati can.
Here’s what sets the Maserati story apart:
- A start in speed: In 1914, three brothers built race cars in Bologna. Their dream was to beat the best on the track.
- The Trident logo: Inspired by Neptune’s spear, it stands for strength and style. This mark first showed up in 1926.
- A legacy of wins: Maserati won back-to-back Indy 500 races in 1939 and 1940. It proved that Italian skill could win on U.S. soil.
- A shift to the street: In 1947, Maserati built its first street car. The A6 1500 blended sleek looks with track-level tech.
From those early days, the brand kept its edge. While others focused only on comfort or power, Maserati stayed in the sweet spot between both. Its cars were fast, but not raw. Smooth, but never dull.
Even today, that blend still lives on. Just look at the Grecale. It's one of the newest models in the Maserati line. It’s built for daily life, but shaped by a long love of speed. The Grecale feels bold yet smooth—just like the brand itself.
Maserati history stands out because it never lost its roots. It’s a brand born on the track, refined on the road, and loved around the world.
How Did Maserati Begin? From Bologna to Global Recognition
The Maserati history timeline begins in 1914, inside a small workshop in Bologna, Italy. Three brothers—Alfieri, Ettore, and Ernesto Maserati—shared one goal: to build fast, smart cars that could race and win. Their work was bold, new, and full of heart.
At first, they focused only on race cars. In 1926, they built the Tipo 26, the first car to wear the Trident badge. That badge, based on a statue of Neptune in Bologna, would go on to represent one of the most admired brands in the world.
Here’s a short look at how the Maserati name grew:
- 1914: Officine Alfieri Maserati is founded in Bologna.
- 1926: The Tipo 26 race car debuts. It wins its first race on the same day.
- 1937: The Orsi family buys Maserati. This leads to more focus on long-term growth.
- 1947: The first street car, the A6 1500, hits the road.
- 1957–1963: Models like the 3500 GT and Quattroporte launch, shaping grand touring for years to come.
- 1967: The Ghibli coupe debuts, blending luxury and speed like never before.
- 2000s: Under Fiat, Maserati regains its place with new cars and a push for growth.
- 2016: Maserati introduces the Levante, its first-ever SUV. The Levante brings Maserati power to more roads and more people.
That last step marked a major shift. The Levante gave Maserati a way to reach new markets across Canada and beyond. For drivers in places like Winnipeg, Winkler, Steinbach, and Neepawa, it made the dream of Maserati power and design more real than ever.
From its early days on Italy’s tracks to modern roads around the world, Maserati has always stood for bold design and true passion. That’s why the Maserati history timeline still matters today. It’s not just a list of years—it’s the story of how a dream became a global icon.
What Iconic Maserati Models Defined the Brand in the Mid-20th Century?
The mid-1900s were a golden age for Maserati. These years gave rise to some of the most important cars in Maserati history—models that showed the world Maserati could blend speed, beauty, and comfort in one bold package.
Each of these cars played a key role in shaping what people now expect from a luxury touring car. The mix of sleek looks, strong engines, and smooth handling helped Maserati stand apart from the crowd.
Three standout models from this era include:
- The 3500 GT, released in 1957, was Maserati’s first full-scale production road car. It offered a smooth ride, a powerful engine, and a clean, classic design. This model helped Maserati shift from racing to the luxury market.
- The Quattroporte, which means “four doors” in Italian, debuted in 1963. It proved a fast car could also be family-friendly. The Quattroporte became one of the first true high-performance luxury sedans.
- The original Ghibli, launched in 1967, blended speed and style like few others. It was low, sleek, and powerful—a perfect example of Italian design. Today’s Ghibli keeps that same spirit alive with modern upgrades and sharp details.
These cars didn’t just sell well—they redefined what luxury could look like. For drivers in cities like Winnipeg, Winkler, and Steinbach, they offered a new way to see the road. The Ghibli, Quattroporte, and 3500 GT set the tone for future Maserati history models by proving that performance and elegance can go hand in hand.
This period in Maserati history helped build the brand's lasting image. It showed that the company didn’t just want to win races—it wanted to win hearts.
How Did Maserati Overcome Industry Turbulence to Stay on Top?
The history of Maserati is full of twists. While many brands folded under pressure, Maserati pushed forward. That’s what makes its story so rich. The brand’s survival wasn’t luck—it was built on smart changes and bold moves.
From the 1970s through the early 2000s, Maserati faced many roadblocks. The company changed hands several times and had to rethink its goals.
Some of the key changes that helped Maserati stay strong included:
- Smart ownership changes
After struggles under Citroën and De Tomaso, Fiat took over. This gave Maserati new tools and fresh capital to rebuild. - Stronger product focus
Maserati moved away from short-run niche cars and leaned into models built for more drivers. This helped grow its reach. - Return to racing roots
In the early 2000s, Maserati revived its race car edge with the MC12. This brought attention and respect from the auto world. - Modern design revival
The 2007 GranTurismo signaled a new design era. It was sleek, bold, and gave drivers a fresh reason to love the brand.
Today, Maserati is part of Stellantis, one of the world’s largest auto groups. This has helped it grow faster and plan for the future.
A strong example of this new era is the Grecale. This midsize SUV blends sport and style with modern tech. It brings Maserati to more homes while keeping the soul of the brand alive.
For drivers in places like Neepawa, Winkler, and Winnipeg, this means more ways to enjoy Italian design. The Grecale is proof that Maserati can adapt and thrive without losing its heart.
In the full history of Maserati, the brand’s biggest wins often came right after its biggest tests. That’s what makes its story one of the most inspiring in the world of luxury cars.
How Can Manitoba Drivers Experience a Century of Maserati Craftsmanship Today?
The Maserati history timeline stretches back more than 100 years. Yet today, that same passion still lives on in every car. Manitoba drivers now have more ways than ever to feel that legacy for themselves—on roads that cut through Winnipeg, Winkler, Steinbach, or Neepawa.
From bold lines to smooth power, Maserati blends the old with the new. The soul of the early racing cars still guides each new model. That’s true whether you’re in a sleek sedan or a strong, refined SUV like the Levante.
Here’s how drivers in Manitoba can enjoy the brand’s deep craft today:
- Drive Maserati’s newest models
Vehicles like the Levante and Grecale bring Maserati’s legacy into the modern world. Each one carries the same bold heart. - Feel race-inspired power on every road
Whether it’s city streets or open highways, Maserati’s engines offer quick, sharp moves and smooth, quiet rides. - Step inside Italian design
From hand-finished seats to fine trim, the inside of a Maserati blends comfort and class with a strong sense of style. - Stay connected to modern tech
Today's models include up-to-date driver tools, smart safety, and features built to suit daily life in Manitoba.
The Levante is a great place to start for many drivers here. It has room for family or gear, but it still moves with speed and class. It’s built for life in places where the weather shifts fast, and the roads stretch wide.
By driving a Maserati today, you’re stepping into a story that began in 1914. Each model on the Maserati history timeline adds something new while keeping what made the brand great. You don’t have to race to feel it—you just have to take the wheel.
Quick Answers About Maserati's Legacy
If you're browsing Maserati vehicles in Manitoba and want a better sense of the brand's past, these fast facts can help.
Is Maserati still owned by Ferrari?
- No, Maserati is now part of Stellantis.
What does Maserati mean in Italian?
- It’s the family name of the founders.
What is the story of Maserati?
- Started in 1914 as a race car workshop in Italy and grew into a luxury carmaker.
Who are the five Maserati brothers?
- Alfieri, Ettore, Ernesto, Bindo, and Mario.
Explore Maserati in Manitoba with Us
If you’re in Winnipeg, Winkler, Steinbach, or Neepawa, you don’t need to look far to experience true Italian luxury. Maserati of Winnipeg is proud to offer a wide range of performance vehicles including the Grecale, Levante, and Ghibli. Whether you're drawn to the bold style of an SUV or the elegance of a sport sedan, we have something that fits your drive.
Want to compare top models in today’s luxury market? You can start by learning how the Maserati Levante stacks up against the Jaguar F-Pace. Or see what sets Maserati apart in our detailed review of the 2025 Maserati Levante’s design and performance. Interested in more compact power? Check out how the 2025 Grecale competes with the Porsche Macan.
Our team is here to help you learn more, book a test drive, or schedule a visit. Contact Maserati of Winnipeg today and take the next step in your Maserati journey.
